Bearing With Me - ACS Collage Mania

I've debated on whether to submit this piece to Collage Mania - American Cancer Society for Virginia Spiegel. I mounted a piece of two-tone pink batik; purchased in Grenada on one of my Caribbbean crusies, as the base. I sponged gold fabric paint onto the batik for shine. A glittered dryer sheet is added to give more texture and glitz. Only a deception. My forest pattern was an accident after cutting out another project. The forest fabric is a commercial woodsey-type fabric layered with fusible web. Stamped on the trees are words of endearment like when one carved their initials in trees to signify their love for each other. The lady is hidden behind the large tree with the gentleman in front of another tree. She has extended her hand to him one last time for a kiss. Black fibers are running down trees and across the bottom of the forest. The last thing attached is a found red bearing.

My friend, Ruth Salzberg, lost her battle with cancer two years ago. The collage is in memory of her life and friendship. This is an enchanted forest, symbolizing the "other world". The lady is behind the tree representing her passing from this world. Her husband stands in the foreground longing for another touch, another kiss from his sweet love. Its his way of saying "goodbye until." For now he knows it is impossible for either to cross over to the other. The beauty and enchantment is shadowed by the black growth of fiberous cancer taking over and choking out life - in the forest and lives of people. I mounted a red found bearing, thus the name "Bearing With Me." The pain and suffering of losing a loved one to cancer.

The Vine

Day 34 - 40 Days In God's Presence

THE VINE

I am the Vine, you are the branches..

I've told you these things for a purpose:

that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature.

This is my command: Love One Another The Way I loved You.

John 15:5, 11-12

Love is a tough thing, or so it seems sometimes.

I think that is all I will say on this day, except

Trust In The Lord With All Your Heart

and Lean Not On Your Own Understanding.

3 Pennies & Day 33 - 33,000 to 300

Day 33 - The God Who Sees Our Potential

The Lord is with you, mighty warrior. Judges 6:12

I love the story of Gideon. How does God do business? It definitely is not the way of the world. He does not measure a man by the world's standards. Gideon was given an assignment from the Lord, Himself. Gideon was hiding in the winepress threshing wheat. His response was like many of ours: My family is at the bottom of the list of "who's who". I am the smallest among all. Maybe Gideon was chosen because of his weaknesses.

God reduced Gideon's army from 33,000 to a small band of 300. Their weapons were trumpets, torches and clay jars. Gideon was not voted "Most Likely to Succeed". But God saw his potential and used Gideon.

Scripture says God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong - so no one may boast before God.

God delights in promoting those whose hearts are tender toward his, regardless of their status.

It's not what you do, but whom you serve, that determines your success.

Today has been another busy day. Its unusual but two days in a row outside of my home running errands is strange. On my walk with my dog I found not one, not two, but three
pennies. I lov-v-v-e-e-e that Number. One blessing for each one of my sons. I received my VIP PSI pin today from Lyn
in Florida. I am wearing a dove charm, sea shell and fish charm. Since I wasn't born with
a silver spoon in my mouth, Lyn gave me dangling, silver feet. A sleek bikini and an inchie body.
I'll post the pic maybe later after I know Lyn has received her pin from me.

I also took my neighbor to visit the Creative Circle group. I have not been back since last year sometime. Alice would like to make a baby quilt for her first granddaughter who is scheduled to arrive into this world in two weeks. She wants to do a Noah's Ark quilt.

"It's A Secret" Revealed

or is that Granny Get Your Pin

Remember I had a pic that was a secret. Well here it is revealed. My first trade as a hostess. FAT Flat Fiber dolls are being created to trade. Here are my little creations. I
love the angelina surfer boy. I used a rubber flower stamp, laid out angelina in a way the fibers would hang out after pressing the angelina on the stamp to give him wild, wild hair.(remember to place angelina between parchment or teflon pressing sheet).
His pants are made of textiva with stuff in between 2 pieces of textiva. I added a white button for his belly button. I just
love him.

Little Missy Means Business

Peltex foundation, wrapped yarns and fibers around her body. A peltex face applied loosely to top (a little 3D). I loved the rolling pin for an embellishment. My granny ruled with an iron fist or should I say with her rolling pin. Her kitchen was her domain. If you visited you better be prepared to eat and eat and eat.
My aunt Lethia lived there too. She was what they called back then an Ole' Maid. She never married. But she did collect lots of bottles, ornate bottles, beautiful colored bottles. They were everywhere in the living room along with her millions of doilies. Well it seemed like a million when you were just a child. Little Missy is a bottle design. She's a simple bottle with handles and a pointy top. I wish I had acquired some of those bottles. On today's market they would be worth lots of money. But I would not have sold them. Unfortunately, my cousin was given everything, including her home and property. Anyway, that's another story.

Interruptions or Eruptions

Day 32 - The God Of Interruptions

I found this post very hard to make yesterday. Today I am more composed I think. Sad to say when I studied this one; little did I know I would get to know Him good by this Name. Yesterday was not my own, but no day ever is. I just feel more in control some days more than others. I felt totally put off yesterday with appointments outside my home. One was with friends I had scheduled to have lunch with, and actually needed to do. I miss these two ladies bunches. It's just that my mind was scattered. And I mean everywhere.

You know it seems Jesus was always expecting what we call interruptions but they were another way for him to show himself to the world. The statement was made "The sooner we learn to enjoy interruptions for what they are - personally designed encounters from God to make his ways known - the more we will learn to enjoy this wonderful, creative God of Interruptions.

I must stop erupting like a volcano, even when no one sees it but me and its internal.

Where's that peaceful spirit I want so much, and that contentment.

It's being worked on.

Art From The Heart Give Away

Catherine Matthews-Scanlon is giving away her new book Art from the Heart. Check out her website by clicking on her name above. You have a chance to win until Feb. 4th. It looks like a really great book.

The God Of All Ages

Day 31 - 40 Days In God's Presence

The God Of All Ages

God holds each of us responsible for our own attitudes, thoughts and actions. He is not a God who condemns us for our ancestors' failure without giving us a chance to repent. This personal God is not only the God of the Ages. He is the God of "all" Ages.

Are you influencing anyone positively today?

I love the fact that Josiah became King at the age of 8 and desired to do the right things to honor God

Fashion & Elegance

FAT ATC BOOK Trade

I finished my ATC book. I called it Jackie O - Fashion. One day while browsing through sale books at our local book store I came across a great book that I, of course, had to have. It is titled "Jackie - The Clothes of Camelot" by Jay Mulvaney. It has wonderful pics of her during President Kennedy's Presidency. There is something about Jackie Kennedy Onassis that speaks of elegance, simplicity, beauty, and strength. She was a beautiful First Lady and wonderful woman. I was young and didn't really care about those things. But when I got older and looked and heard about her I really grew to love the complete woman she represented.

This pic is taken from Today's Fashions on how to draw and paint. The cost of this book was $2.00 in the day. I love looking through this book. It's back in the time when elegance and beauty of line was created in clothing.

One comment says, "Good fashion artists are well paid. First impressions are important."

Advice was given on how to get a job as a fashion artist. Draw and redraw. Only by practice can you improve. This good advice still holds true for today.

The Perfect Guest

Day 30 - 40 days In God's Presence

The Perfect Guest

First I want to say I am so grateful for being able to walk and see God's beauty. Today I heard a hammering sound in the top of a tree. There working his way up the tree was a red-headed woodpecker. And across the street were a flock of black birds on the ground - now that was one happy ground covering. You can't hear grass grow like those jabbering black birds on the ground.

I, of course, found my coin on the ground. God placed a song in my heart this morning about how thankful I am he changed me.

My dog and I walked along and just enjoyed the beauty all around. To see, to hear, to smell, to touch, to feel the Love Of the Lord.

Delight In The Lord

Day 29 - 40 days In God's Presence

The God Who Delights In You

Psalm 149:4

For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation.

Hey my name is written in God's brag book. I like that. God chose you and me for his pleasure. God does not want a long distance relationship but one of intimacy. N2MeC. That's my little abbreviation. People don't fall in love, they grow in love.

Today's ART - Stampin' Up Cards

I went to a Stampin' Up party today and invited my neighbor. I must show myself friendly if I want to get to know my neighbor better. We must spend time together - sharing, talking and listening. That is the only way to become better acquainted. I delighted in the time we shared together. She was involved in a bad accident that left brain damage and struggles because she is not the same person as before.

The party was wonderful with a bunch of like-minded ladies. We laughed, shared, and made beautiful cards together. It was a great day spent in pure pleasure with a new friend.

And if you want to get to know God better you must spend time In His Presence and With Him.

Fetish For Writing Pens

Guess what this is? It's a surprise

to be revealed next week.

It was so much fun to make.

When I gave myself permission

to play and fail I had a blast!!!

Angelina and a rubber flower stamp.

And I love pens, so I found this little angel pen and bought it to inspire me while journaling.

Doorways

FAT

MYSTERY

TRADE

WITH

LORI

This trade has restrictions and they are: must incorporate the 5 listed items into whatever you make:

red fabric, white button, paper, something gold and thread/yarn any color.

So I made a little booklet with three picture pages from my cruise to the Caribbean. I used my Scrapbook program to write words and expressions about doors: believe, No Closed Doors; gratitude, Door of Expression; and courage, Open Gateway. Each page has batting inside and on the back I used a stabilizer that I painted. The cover is red fabric painted with a splash of gold fabric paint on front and back. I attached Velcro inside for the fastener and added a pearl button on front like a door knob. I used rub-on letters to spell "Doorways" on the front. The pages were connected with a beautiful red braided ribbon that was extended to the front cover and a small paper bead was attached on it. I believe you could put your needles on the back pages through the batting in the center. So it is a useful booklet.

Day 28 - The God Who Never Forgets

We as human beings forget things, people, appointments, etc. But in Isaiah 49:15 God says, "I will not forget you." thank God He remembers me.

My hubby and I went to Cracker Barrel for dinner tonight. And this is an example of how he shows me He is thinking about me. I had selected the word "Prosperity" as the one little word for me this year. As soon as I walk through Cracker Barrel's door there is a wonderful display of angels and framed pictures. But on the very top of the shelf in a tiny basket are inspiration stones. The stone on the very top of the mix had the word "Prosperity" on it. Now He can't get much more personal in a little matter of one word for me. Or can He. He knows everything about me. He remembers every promise He has spoken to me and has not forgotten the moment, the hour, the day, the year they will be fulfilled.

Day 27 - Abba, Your "Daddy"

Romans 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear,

but

you received the Spirit of Sonship And by him we cry, Abba, Father.

Its funny, before I opened to this for the daily read, I was talking to a friend and she was sharing this entire chapter as hers for this new year 2008. God is amazing and comforting and confirming. He never ceases to amaze me. Not growing up with a father I consider it a great joy and delight to have finally discovered the God, Creator of the Universe as my Abba Father. More importantly not only call him "Father" but know I can come to him and cry out, laugh out loud, and express every part of me to Him and KNOW He still loves me.

Last night our middle son, the police officer, expressed his father/son relationship in a phone call to his dad. I become so fixed on watching it because I never had it and don't know what it looks like or feels like. He called to tell his dad how he did in court and get dads feedback. Did you know in the legal arena a biological father could cut a child off from his inheritance but if You have been adopted into a family you can never be cut off from the father's inheritance, no matter what.

FAT VIP PSI - Lyn

At the risk of hopefully not having Lyn read my blog, I am posting this pic. We have a one-on-one trade to do a personal PSI for another member. Lyn shared a cute story about her life and a lizard. From there I took the liberty to expand on her PSI. The title of this pic - "What's That In The Water".

We always hate finding unexpected creatures in our water. She lives in Florida, barefoot and living on the beach. She has a foot fetish. We exchanged feet/leg pics to add to our mixture of the PSI. I painted her toe and fingernails with #826 Big Night Out. She of course is the Queen of Lizards and if you are not careful she might turn you into a toad. She of course has an ankle bracelet. She is green with envy over her turquoise ROXS. She seems to think her covering is better than a reptilian skin. I hope she likes my little goddess pin.

Making An Appearance In Court

Day 26 - The Restorer of My Soul

40 days In God's Presence

I am exhausted with very little sleep. Today was the first day for my son in court as a police officer with cases. Some recognized him as his father's son.

I don't believe my brain can function anymore so off to see if I can sleep.

Judge and Advocate

Day 25 - 40 days In God's Presence

Our Judge and Advocate

Oh, that I had someone to hear me!

I sign now my defense - let the Almighty answer me?

Job 31:35

Today has been a grueling day, one of major wailing over circumstances I feel God must intervene in my behalf on. I cry out to you O' Lord to represent me, Hear My Plea. Pray!

My Art-What Art

No Parking, don't stop here. It's all under cover.

Or is that non-existent today. All my plans

have gone for not. I struggled for the first time

to get online or even look at my art-in-progress.

Except I consider my photography a form of art.

Here this sign says it all!!

A Penny Measured In Weeks - Manna From Heaven

A Penny Measured In Weeks

What's better than a frozen popsicle? frozen coins, ok I might had to work for the coins this morning because they were frozen to the pavement but they were so worth it. Early morning sun rise and a light-dusting of snow on my dogwood trees. Captivating aren't they.

I'd be remissed not to post this find so early in the morning walking my dog. Not my usual find of a penny but by the time I finished finding coins it amounted to .52c. Now that might not mean much to you but to me that equals 52 weeks. One penny for every week of the year. How amazing that God speaks to me in coins. Don't be surprised if we begin to see the lean years approaching. But my system is not the way of the world - God has a financial institution different from the worlds. I love the scripture in Joshua "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."

Day 24 - Living Manna From Heaven

John 21:16-17

.Jesus said,.... do you truly love me? then Feed My Sheep
If we know Jesus, we possess manna that will never run out,

never dry up, and never grow stale.

are you eating empty calories or manna from Heaven?

what kind of meals are you serving to others?

Snow Day - Fresh Powder

My son took our dog, Bear, out in the snow. He is such a child. He loves running with his head down catching snowflakes and the fresh powder on the ground. My son took this pic also.

My hubby and I

took Bear for a

late night walk last

night.

It was a gorgeous,

glistening, white night.

The Flitting Butterfly

Butterfly Tangram

Here is another doodle I made of a woman butterfly. I see there are actually classes you can take to work your doodles into pieces of art on joggles. I must see if I can work on doing it. Actually I would love to incorporate a butterfly design into my regalia.

Day 23 - 40 days In God's Presence

The High and Lofty One

I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit.

Isaiah 57:15

Not sure where I will be led today. All I know is that where He leads I will go.

Later in day calling for great weather, possibly snow up to 3 inches in VA.

I love the story of Esther and the King in the Bible. There was a movie made on this story and its my absolute favorite. It's called One Night With The King. You should check it out

Excess Baggage

Artists Circle Tags

It seems I really don't want to finish my tags. But the

truth is I find myself in a paralysis. I'm afraid of failure, I'm afraid of putting "the only-one"

embellish-

ment on them and then regretting I used it. I have too many projects sitting on the table - all have become muddled. I feel a little despair but I am going to clean off the table and begin again - one project at a time, one focus, clean and direct. I think that is what I need after being so busy with facts, figures and paperwork for the past week.

Here is the cover and back of my tag booklet with one tag worked on, but I don't think finished. The word "Baggage" came from the "Heavy" airplane tag placed on my suitcase in San Juan before boarding a plane to fly home. I pitied the poor handlers that had to pick up my bag. Lesson learned - pack light or go naked. Only kidding.

Returning from the Caribbean I had over packed the bigger suitcase and the cost - $50.00. It started me to thinking of other things in my life overstuffed. What is the cost? in money, in time, in peace-of-mind, in every way. Underneath the "Capital" tag are ripped pages from an old Labor Law book (I can not believe I actually tore apart a book)one big accomplishment!! I placed laundry tags ripped up on it and an ole' car with a cutup cork from a wine bottle. There is green yarn through the cork and attached to it a strand of beads. There is quite a bit of symbolism for me in this tag. It represents old habits, old ways of doing things that don't work. money (lack of or used improperly), laboring in vain, wasting time and reaping no reward, and beads represent wampum because of my Native American heritage.

The title I wrote in my journal - What I Gained In Letting Go

Excess Baggage - 12 tags "Letting Go - Stop"
1 - food eat healthy
2 - thoughts - "I can for I can't", "I did it", "I am for I'm nobody"
3 - weight - appearance
4 - attitude - hatred, anger, love, joy
5 - feelings - impressions, vain imaginations
6 - clothes - clean out closet
7 - fabric - share
8 - books, magazines - put them in order
9 - negative words,gossip
10 - money - use it wisely, give
11 - stuff in home - pack rat
12 - misc. - things I'm shown daily to let go of

My tags don't look very pretty or fancy with great embellishments. But I think I will try to give myself room to fail or to experiment. That's ok? right?!?!

By the way, on my walk this morning I found 4 coins, 2 pennies and 2 dimes. God keeps reminding me of His promise to me.

Day 22 - The God Of All Comfort

As I read today's devotional encounter I weep grievously. I feel a pain, a loss, a deep sadness for others that find no comfort anywhere. They have tried so many vices and nothing seems to bring comfort. I remember feeling that myself for years. And then The God of Comfort began to get my attention and slowly I started to heal, allow myself to grieve, allow myself to feel. I allowed myself to see through a loving God's eyes, allowed The Holy Spirit, the Comforter; who was sent after Jesus gave His life for us, to begin to work through me.

I weep for the pain of a child losing a parent, I weep for an innocent child losing their security and safety to a predator, I weep, I just weep. And most of all I weep because I so desire them to know The God Of All Comfort and The Comforter, the Holy Spirit.

I weep!!!

Day 21- The God Who Brings Discernment

Today, actually the last few days, have been unusually busy with family matters. So many different fires I have been putting out. Shame I'm not a firefighter and get paid to do it. lol

There is a statement in Day 21 "The hidden snares of sudden wealth or what looks like easy plunder too often prove a trap to the ones who see with only temporal eyes.

I was talking to a mortgage lender today and he expressed that with all the problems in housing, and foreclosures and people being in trouble on mortgages; its the first time he can remember the attitude of the lenders to be "let's see if you earn the privilege to have a loan through us to purchase a home." Interesting comment I thought! He was very impressed with our sons credit for being 21 years old. I believe his score is as high as ours after 27 grueling years of making payments, paying on time, balancing debt and assets. He stood in awe!

All that glitters is not necessarily gold. But sometimes is "seems" God just drops something into your lap and you must proceed forward. That is what we are doing with our middle son. More on this at a later date.

I love the prayer "Lord, give us eyes to see what you see and hearts that discern good from evil. Grant us safety from danger, and help us set our affections on you and you alone!"

That is an excellent prayer for this particular son because in another week he will be on the road alone as a police officer. A rookie.

ART IN THE MAKING

A group of ladies were discussing our messies in making art. Well I don't have a designated "room" kind of like when all drink and one is assigned as a designated "driver", but no set room in my house. It is scattered everywhere and I do mean everywhere. This is what you would have for dinner if you came to my home to eat. And of course my faithful dog is near me underneath the table. He's not going far. What's it take to make your art?

Seize the Day

Day 20 - The Lord of the Harvest

Can you imagine your boss sending you on a trip and instructing you to take no money, no extra clothing and don't be idle in small-talk and chatter? Jesus expanded from his 12 disciples to 72 sent out two-by-two on a mission trip. Upon their return back to the Master they were amazed at what they had been able to do - they were enamored with the power. Where there were needs Jesus was giving them the power to meet those needs. But in their zeal their focus had turned to what they were able to do and how even the demons submitted to them in Jesus' Name. Quickly they lost their true focus - The Lord of the Harvest and that people had been added to The Kingdom of God through those amazing miracles because of God.

I know everyday when I would walk and find a penny I would thank God. But when the New Year began I changed my thought process to thanking God before I found the penny. To be content and joyous in my relationship with Him became my focus; not finding the penny. But He has allowed me to find a coin for everday of this year.

One statement in today's reading caught my attention and I found myself weeping before God alone. "When we find joy in Jesus alone, we will have no other reason to boast, and we will need nothing else to satisfiy - no miracles, no blessings, no signs from Heaven. Anything else God grants is a fringe benefit and a gift to offer back to Him."

Seizing the day never means seizing the power.

TicTacToe Gingerbread Doll Quilt

I loved doing a quilt every year for St. Jude Children's Hospital. Here is a TicTacToe quilt for a child. The soft little dolls fit into pockets on each square. I made a set of dolls representing the X's and O's in yellow and green. It was a game they could play in their quiet time or moving from room to room. It was light and easy to carry. This was a fun quilt to do. I hope the child that received it enjoys it as much as I did making it.

It's All In Who You Know

Day 19 - The God In Heaven Above

and

On The Earth Below

Joshua 2:11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in Heaven above and on the earth below.

Now this is how God uses people we today would call questionable. Rahab was a known prostitute and yet God's heart was so stirred that she was in the list of heroes in Hebrews' Hall of Faith. Heb. 11:31 God's reputation had preceded Joshua's visit. Everyone had heard of the God of Joshua. Rahab hid the spies, even though the king demanded she surrender the men to his guards. Not only was Rahab spared from destruction but her entire family. The one deciding factor for her safety - a single scarlet cord tied in the window.

I love the prayer for today

God, Help me to see everything that happens in light of eternity. When my world is too small, help me to grasp the bigger picture. But thank you that you are a personal God who loves to meet my needs as well.

I am excited that today I met with our accountant and our business taxes are finished for the year. But saddened in that his wife's health is suffering. I believe hubby and I will send them flowers and thank them for being a part of our team and family. He probably knows more about us through a single line item than most people we know. I am thankful for my hubby's job even though the next four months will be lean. I will get to know God more intimately as God, My Provider. And He knows me intimately because of His Son, Jesus.

Holy, Holy, Holy Is The Lord

Day 18 - The King, the Lord Almighty

40 Days In God's Presence

When God displayed Himself before Isaiah it was a glorious sight. I love the part where it says, "the train of his robe filled the temple" and the seraphim sang "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty" (Isa. 6: 1,3) Now that is one song I can't imagine what it sounded like but I would love to have heard it. When I imagine the train I imagine it full of people rejoicing before the Lord Almighty. We each know God in so many different ways and God is known by so many names.


Isaiah's revelation of God was so amazing he cried out "Woe to me!" I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, The Lord Almighty." (Isaiah 6:5) Then what happened next with the seraph touching Isaiah's lips with a coal from the altar of The Lord must have been awesome and yet an awakening in Isaiah, I can't even imagine.


There have been several times in my life when I felt the touch of God so personal and close in my life I thought I would explode. One such encounter was in making a quilt totally for a stranger. When I had finished delivering that quilt to the family I knew there was a God who was involved, not only involved in my artistic ability, but desiring to see me fulfill what He had put in me. The scripture verse woven into the border of that quilt was the same verse the mother had pasted all over her home standing for a promise about her daughter. I had never met her nor talked to her about anything in her life. Now that sent shivers up my spine in an awesome Holy way. That God would know me and desire for me to know Him in a more personal way was, well, it was a love I had longed to have satisfied in me about Him since I was a child.

MY HAPPY FLOWER QUILT

I love this quilt and it has a place of honor in my living room where it hangs. I love the yellow and pale pink colors. The flowers were appliqued. Yesterday I really began to look at the quilt and I can see if I had hung the squares on a design wall there would have been major changes where the blocks were positioned. I guess my classes are paying off and I am learning visual appeal and continuity.

Here is a close up of one of the flower blocks. It is a thistle, a weed by everyone's standards. But I don't consider it a weed or useless. I know they are blown by the wind and propagate everywhere and are considered a nuisance. But I have seen gorgeous butterflies on them. You know I don't want to be blown by everything that comes along . I want to be useful and beautiful in the Lord's sight, even if there are some that would consider me a nuisance, I know there is a loving, kind God who thinks otherwise. The butterfly is one of my personal symbols. It represents new beginnings, change, beauty and delicacy. It's a world traveler.

Ugly Duckling or Beautiful Swan

Day 17 - 40 Days In God's Presence

God of Life and Death

Have you ever heard a preacher exhort the mourners at a funeral with these words "We often touch more people in our deaths than in our life time?" A sudden, tragic death of a person wakes us up to the realization of our own mortality, our need for God and His power to change our lives.

It reminds me of a wonderful, red-headed, young man finishing his first year at VMI in Lexington, VA. He had stayed there for summer school and was enjoying climbing with his buddies. As he continued to climb, without a safety harness, he grew tired and before his friends could secure him with a harness he fell to his death. He was just turning 18. What a wasted life!

He was such a joy and encouragement to so many people. When he was around he would light up a room with his exuberant zeal for life. The years have passed since his death but many still remember him. His mom sometimes wonders if others will forget him.

I don't believe his life will be forgotten. I know my family was impacted by his life here on earth. Especially one of my sons, whom he used to put on his shoulders and carry around. I will never forget his laughter, his devotion to family and a desire to fulfill his life for Christ.

If your life were a book, what would someone read in it?

TANGRAM & ZENTANGLE ART

Here is a tangram swan I sketched. The previous art page bled through with color. I wonder if I can do a folded-paper
or fabric procedure with the swan. I love how the doodle design turned out. Tangrams used: 5 triangles, 1 square and a parallelogram (I believe).

I guess math does have a purpose after all.

The Bridegroom

Day 16 - The Bridegroom

40 days In God's Presence

I must say this whole study at one time was very hard for me to understand. Its the story of the ten virgins and their preparing and waiting for the bridegroom to come get them. Long ago in Jewish tradition the couple was bethrothed to one another through a formal public declaration at least a year before the completion of marriage. They were considered "married" but could not consummate the marriage until the Father gave the ok to his son that the son had made everything ready for his bride. He had to have their home move-in ready.

The bride's responsibility was to prepare herself by staying pure and getting her dowry ready for her husband. The bride never knew when the husband would come and get her. But usually it occurred at night. No one knew the day or the hour except the Father. The Father was the only one who could give the seal of approval. Then the groom would steal away with his attendants, unannounced and "capture" his bride.

Well, five of the virgins became careless and lackadaisical. Their oil began to get low and at the last minute they decided to go buy more. But the hour was late and the stores were closed. The bridegroom came and only five virgins were ready to meet the bridegroom.

The question is which five will we be like when Jesus returns to get his bride? Will we be ready even in the midnight hour with our lamps full of oil. Or will we grow weary of waiting and begin to look for other things to take the place of the love of the bridegroom?

I wish some of the ways of old were honored today. The respect shown a Father was amazing. He truly was the head of the home. So much has changed since that time. Our world has gotten so far away from God's design of marriage. It makes me very sad. When my sons were being homeschooled that is one thing I taught them. The design of old for a couple to be wed. Not all the things stuck that they were taught. But one principle did for my middle son, who will be married in April. He went to his dad for permission to marry and advice. Then to her father to ask permission to marry his daughter.

All of life is a preparation for all of Eternity.

MY EXPERIMENTAL ART PIECE

well my camera and I had a fight. Of course the

machine won out.

The battery is recharging. I tried the Neocolor wax pastels on a piece of batting. I applied the colors dry, which made them very vibrant. But when I wet them with a sponge and ironed the batting much of the color disappeared. I did stamp a heart on it using the Neocolor pastels. It was to honor DeBee, a blogger doing a piece of heart art everyday. The pic will be posted later; which became Now (battery recharged).

Let The Dust Settle

As we traveled up the winding roads of Tortola we were treated to beautiful murals painted on the banks of the hillside by different artists. Aren't they lovely. They depict the days long since passed of the earlier inhabitants.

Day 15 - The OverPowering God

40 days In God's Presence

Is there someone God wants you to speak to,

or something for which you need to take a stand?

There have been times when God ask me to speak into a situation with friends. When we are asked to do this, one can really find out who their friends are and if their friendship is strong enough and grounded enough in God to weather the storm of "truth". For many its a hard road to hoe. The Bible says "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Prov 27:6

When I have had friends speak into me I have been all the better for it - IF I was willing to evaluate what had been said and let the filter of God's love work through it.

FLOWER ZENTANGLE

I love doodling zentangles. I hope to transfer this drawing into a quilt.

I know I could paper piece it or produce it in log cabin shapes. I could even applique it.

But I am not sure how I will do it. Any suggestions? Maybe I could try Fannie's technique using Neocolor pastels?

Possession - Conquer Those Giants

40 days In God's Presence

Day 14-The God Who Conquers Giants

I love the children's fairy tale of Jack and the Bean Stalk. Now that was a giant.

Jack wanted adventure but most of all he wanted a better life. And then there's the story in the Bible about the twelve spies. Sent into a land to spy it out 10 spies were looking at their circumstances and 2 focused on what they were told they could do. Conquer the Giants!!

I love a great story where you hear how someone,

against all earthly odds, conquered their giants -

restrictions put on them by others.

For me that is my definition of a giant.

And then there is the story of the lion and the mouse. To the mouse the lion was his giant, but in time of desperation and pain the lion needed someone to help him out. His deliverer became the mouse. The mouse had to overcome his fear of the giant in order to become a giant himself. What do we measure our giants by: sight, pain, memories, imagination, or someone else's "evil report". What are we waiting on - let's conquer our giants today. With God All Things Are Possible!!

We should go up and take possession of the land,

for we can certainly do it. Numbers 13:30

Dorset Button FAT Trade

I conquered, I overcame. I finished with 5 decent dorset buttons through perseverance. That and knowing the deadline was "looming."

Dorset buttons were made in a cottage industry in southern England from the
early 1700s until about 1860. Women, men and children were employed in the
industry. They even used prisoners and orphans to make buttons. The
industry justified the use of such workers as a time to teach people a
marketable skill.
The button's names describe their patterns: crosswheel, bird's eye, basket, mite and knob. as stated in 50 Heirloom Buttons To Make by Nancy Nehring.

The Dorset Button trade is finishing out as I mail my buttons to five traders around the world. I actually added beads to most of them, so this pic is not what they finally looked like. But then most of the things we fear and conquer usually never looks like what we thought it would, or it's never accomplished the way we thought it would be either.

Posture yourself to conquer. What's that old saying, "Fake'em out". You may be shaking in your boots but your giant can't see that. Stand tall, for you have been given the land.

I Can See A Blind Spot

Day 13-40 days In God's Presence

The God Who Opens Blind Eyes

It's not a question of "Are there any blind spots

in my life?"

but where are they and please Lord give me

eyes to see them

and know how to correct them. Then DO IT.

Every time I do handwork I am reminded

I need better light. Then when I finish I go on

my merry way and don't correct the lighting issue. Now that is not smart. As a matter of fact

that is down right irresponsible. I know what

needs to be corrected in this instance and I continue to sit in the dark.

Here are five buttons I finished yesterday for the FAT Dorset Button Trade, just in a nic-of-time. Good lighting would have made the job so much easier. I did sit outside in the 70's degree weather for a little while and enjoy the natural light and the smell of fresh air.

I wonder what areas in my spiritual life I am continuing to sit in the dark on after God has enlightened me. I like the "Personal Truth" in today's study.

Once you've seen the LIGHT, darkness is not an option.

The Lone Button

or Button, Button, Who's Got the Button

Today is the last day to post pics to the FAT Dorset Button trade. Here is my one, lone, little, blue button. The only one right now I feel worthy of posting for trade. The others are flawed. They are my learning curve buttons. Aren't you glad God does not have a learning curve and that He sees us as perfect through Jesus' eyes. Worthy of the ultimate trade - Jesus' life for mine, for yours. A life in eternity! The button was placed on page 19 from the book "50 Heirloom Buttons to Make". One day maybe I will make buttons that look like this, but not today.

Day 12 - The God Who Knows All

or there was a day I would have with sarcasm called Him "Mr. Know-It-All". As a little girl I could never reconcile in my mind and heart why if He was such a loving God would He take my dad away from me when I was only three. And as I type this I realize that maybe that is why I have such a love for the number 3. Hidden deep within all of us are things God wants us to reconcile with Him. The "whys" probably will never be answered this side of Heaven. But today's scripture is one I have grown to love and cherish as I have grown older. If 1 Corinthians 13 is considered the love chapter then Psalm 139 is the chapter of new birth for me.

"O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me." and verse 14 -

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." and verse 17 -

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!

how great is the sum of them!!

Through my high school English classes I fell in love with the King James version of the Bible.

There is an elegance in all the "Thee's and Thou's".

As a little girl I would lay in the grass for hours looking down

into the world of ants and bugs. I would find a fascination in a

world that was so minuscule to most and yet to me very fascinating.

A world that most people ignored and never wondered were

they crushing another creature's "earth" as they traveled about

on their feet; like in the book Gulliver's Travels. I lay there

pondering God and the "why's".

Longing for an answer that would never come. Except to discover verse 23,24

Search me, O God, and know my heart:

try me, and know my thoughts:

And see if there be any wicked way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

Because if I could reconcile that I was the cause of why my dad was taken,

maybe I was bad, maybe I wasn't worth loving, maybe, maybe....

then that would explain all my hurt and pain. Then it would go away

and I could love The Everlasting God with all my heart, soul and mind.

Until then I would struggle with God.

Monday's Man Droppings

MAN DROPPINGS

On my daily walk I found more man droppings.
I realized I have found a coin everyday for this
New Year. I really love this little mint box I found. And its in "mint" condition. Haha! LOL
Isn't it the cutest little thing. And see here is another penny. I don't always post when I find one but rest assured ususally I find my lost coin when I walk.

I am working on another Zentangle I want to try to make into a quilt. More on that another day.

I'm My Worst Critic

40 days In God's Presence by Rebecca Jordan

Day 11 - The God Of Our Defense

Pride can manifest in many ways. It can be a single thought or complaint and then grow like a cancer. It puffs up with knowledge and knocks others down that challenge its thinking. It wants its name in lights and the credit for a job well done. It does not question, but challenges - it trusts no one else for answers. Jealousy calls itself "concern"-even silence can be a form of false humility and prideful spirit.

A saying from "14,000 Quips and Quotes" by E.C. McKenzie,

"As the chest swells, the brain and the heart shrink."

The Bible say that pride leads to destruction and ends in a fall. Prov. 16:18

Criticism can steal our joy or deepen it.

How do you and I handle criticism?

DORSET BUTTONS and ZENTANGLES

Here is my first attempt at making a dorset button, actually 5 attempts. None are worth posting for the FAT trade; sorry Jackie. But I did get the book you suggested from the library. It's "50 Heirloom Buttons to Make" by Nancy Nehring. After 5 unsuccessful attempts at dorset buttons I made my second zentangle; a continuous line one.

I decided to use Neocolor II Watersoluble wax pastels on them. I am also trying to learn how to use the color wheel to make my designs more pleasing to the eye. Actually zentangles are done using black pigma pens.

Do you want to guess what this is? It's a feminine pad cover zentangle. I thought it was all fiber but when I ironed over the pressing sheet it turned into plastic and stuck to my paper towel.

I used all 40 Neocolor II wax pastels on this piece. Then dampened it and ironed it covered.

Oh well, on to the next test. Drawing a zentangle is a lot of fun. I think I will work on a few more.

Wisdom and Zentangles

Day 10 - The God Of All Wisdom & Knowledge

Ask for whatever you want me to give you? 2Chronicles 1:7

Solomon's hour had come. Imagine God saying this to you!! What would you do? What are the desires of your heart?Solomon didn't ask for gold, fame, success, or to live a long life. As the King, he asked for wisdom and knowledge that he could lead the people. God answered his request and gave him so many things he could have asked for to boot. How's that?!?!

I like the prayer at the end of this day.

Breathe your Spirit into mine that I might know your heart

and experience your wisdom and joy. You are my greatest treasure!

In what areas do I most need God's wisdom?

ZENTANGLES

I decided to try my hand at a zentangle today. I didn't use the tiles they recommend just the technique. I placed it on a card to my youngest son's girlfriend. There is a hidden message in it: can you find me? I kept working toward the outer perimeter to resemble a light bulb. I practiced with both of my hands writing with a Sakura micron .01 archival pigma pen. They use the word "string" for lines and "tangle" for patterns. Zentangle was created by Rick and Maria Roberts as a meditative, artistic experience. They say zentangles are a great writing exercise for artists and lettering artists.

and here are two gourds in my collection:

artist: Kareene Wood

title: Bear Mountain

hand painted

Monacan Indian Tribe, Amherst, Va

this gourd I bought while in Aruba on vacation. As you hold the gourd and let the seeds run along the ridges on its underbelly the sound is amazing. I can't explain it. But it reminds me of rain. They included a little drum stick to play it. I am sure there are technical names for all this but I don't know them.

Shadow Walking

Day 9 - The Sovereign God

How do you handle walking in the shadows?

Moses and Elijah were two great leaders in the Old Testament. Their predecessors would have a hard road to follow. But Joshua and Elisha had been great followers. They were "shadow leaders" following in the shadows of two great men. But they had their own destiny according to God's plans for their lives. They did not sit around and compare themselves to their predecessors or anyone else.

God Almighty, the Sovereign God who plans, knows and determines everything about our beginnings, endings, and the journeys in between can be trusted. I have to continually remind my oldest son that he does not sit in anyone's shadow. He compares himself to his "straight ahead, let's get the job done" middle brother; or looks at the youngest brother and sees a settledness that he did not possess at the same age and it bothers him. But I remind him - his destiny does not look like theirs or any other person's destiny. God has a plan designed just for him.

In order for a shadow to be present it must have a light source. Where is your light source?
Psalm 91:1 says "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible.

FAT Poem Postcard Exchange

A new poem postcard exchange in FAT. We could use a poem we composed or use a favorite poet's poem. I wrote this poem, "I Watched", the last week in December 2007. I had bought textiva and wanted to experiment with this new product. So I laid two sheets down and ironed it together, then placed ribbon and my poem in between another sheet of textiva and ironed it to the first two sheets. I also hole punched the little hands out and enclosed them in it too. Its a very simple card with a powerful punch in words. Keep your dreams alive no matter what anyone else may say or think. They are your dreams not theirs. "Cr8 in 2008" is the FAT motto. Don't give up, keep looking to the maker of Heaven and Earth.

Beauty - Journaling my Creative Self

Day 8 - The God Who Is With Us

The scripture focus (Genesis 39:20-21) is on Joseph being falsely accused of rape and thrown into prison. I can't imagine being falsely accused, thrown in prision and not wanting to retaliate. Nor did he try to persuade his keepers of his innocence. The "God Who Is With Us" granted Joseph favor and accomplished his release. He also elevated Joseph to second-in-command of the nation under Pharaoh. What does all this say of Joseph's character?

As I took my morning walk with my dog I noticed a large rv parked at a local motel. On the side of the vehicle was printed "One In Four" http://www.nomorerape.org/. I came home reflecting on that rv and the words "no more rape". The group of men http://www.oneinfourusa.org/ travel to college campuses and educate people about attacks against women on campuses across the country.

Don't you think it odd my Bible study was on this very thing?

Celebrate Your Creative Self - Day 1

I worked on my new art class project. A group of artists are working through Mary Todd Beam's book Celebrate Your Creative Self. The first chapter is on "Encountering The White". We were to come up with our personal symbols and our favorite acrylic paint colors. I chose orange, yellow and purple to transfer a few symbols to the illustration board. I bought a book titled Understanding Hieroglyphs-A Complete Introductory Guide by Hilary Wilson to read along with this project. I like how the illustration board turned out. I will post my work tomorrow for the class.

Beauty

I plan on journaling along with my art exploration in "Celebrating Your Creative Self." Here is the cover of my journal book. I decided to redecorate it and make it a little more personal. A poem I wrote for a poem postcard trade on FAT has been torn and placed line-by-line on the colors. The symbol in the middle is an element used in personal names "neferu" hieroglyph meaning "Beauty". I like the number 3, so I placed it on the sides once right and then reversed. And of course I used my three favorite colors: orange, purple and yellow. I have a long way to go but I like my new beginnings.

A Grain Of Sand

Day 7 - In God's Presence 40 days

A Visual God

Jeremiah was taken to the house of the potter. There he observed the making of a clay pot.

As he watched it being fashioned and shaped by the potter's hands on the wheel he noticed

it to be less than perfect. What would the potter do? Was it rendered useless?

No, the potter pushed it back down and began to remake it.

As we venture through each stage of our life we are used in different ways.

The challenge for us is to listen for redirection.

Where are you being challenged today and what are you being challenged in?

A Grain Of Sand

This postcard is a picture I took on our cruise to the Caribbean. It is of a sand castle built in Tortola by a father and son. The father shaped the castle as the son carried the water to him so he could keep the sand pliable inorder to build it up. I watched the little boy tote the sand bucket up and down from the ocean's edge filling it with water. He was full of delight to watch his father build him this grand castle. A builder and a burden bearer. That is a great visual for me of how the Father in Heaven works on our behalf.

I wanted the postcard to be very simple and to focus on the sand castle. I manipulated the photo in my scrapbook program. I embellished it with a light butterfly, a simple flower with a crystal in the center and a small turtle journeying to the water's edge.

This postcard will go to a member of FAT

for the Poem Postcard Exchange. William Blake's poem reads

To See A World In A Grain Of Sand.

And a Heaven In A Wild Flower.

Hold Infinity in the Palm Of Your Hand.

And Eternity in and Hour!